Electric stop motion system for knitting machines



Sept. 27, 1938. J. STEINHART' 2,131,600

ELECTRIC STOP MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTING MACHINES .Filed Oct. 1, 1957 5 Shegts-Sheet 1 INVENTOR & ATTORNEY Sept. 27, 1938. J. STEINHART 2,131,600

ELECTRIC STOL MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filed on. 1, 193'? 7 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ")3 r A J8; fl e? 4 "t J. $6 a 22 J j: 4

INVENT R Jase bk 62 p 1938- J. STEINHART 2,131,600

ELECTRIC STOP MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTING MACHINES Filewot. 1; 1937 ,5-"Sheets-Sheet s 'IIIIIIIIIIIII ATTORNEY P 27, 1938. J. STEINHART 2,131,600

ELECTRIC STOP MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTING MACHINES lNVENTOR ,012 stem/Ed ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 27, 1938 UNITED STATES ELECTRIC STOP MOTION SYSTEM FOR KNITTING MACHINES Joseph Steinhart, New York, N. Y., assignor to Safety Stop Motion 00., a firm Application October 1, 1987, Serial No. 166,713

20 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a multiple circuit breaking device for knitting machines.

The invention has for an object the construc tion of a device as mentioned which is characterized by the fact that it may be used in combination with a knittingmachine having a rotative spool carriage, a driving motor which rotates a main drive shaft and a clutch for disconnecting the machine from the main drive shaft.

The invention contemplates the provision of a means on the spool carriage for detecting whether the yarn drawn from the spools of said carriage is knotted, bunched, or has a rough surface. It is proposed to include in said means, switches and devices for closing said switches upon detection of any deficiencies in the yarn. It is proposed to also incorporate an arrangement whereby when one of the switches is closed the clutch device of the corresponding knitting machine is caused to be opened, or if either there is a short circuit in the system or if no power is supplied, the said motor is to be turned'off.

Still further the invention proposes to also arrange on the spool carriage, means for detecting breaks in the yarn, and this means to include switches and devices for closing said switches upon detection of a break. It is proposed that these switches also control the clutch of the corresponding knitting machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a safety device for the main electric stop motion line supplying current to the individual machines,

and for the wiring of the knitting machines, so 3 that in case of a short circuit or if no current is supplied to the system, the motor driving the main drive shaft will be disconnected and stops the motion of all the machines.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set forth.

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:-

Fig. -1 is a side elevational view of a knittingv Fig. 4 is an elevational view looking in the direction of the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the'line 5-.5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken on the 5 line 66 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 'l is a view similar to Fig. 6 but illustrating the parts in a different condition.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view looking in the direction of the line 8-8 of Fig. 6,'a porlo tion thereof being broken away and shown'in section.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detailed view of another one of the devices shown in Fig. 1

Fig. 10 is a plan view of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is an elevational view looking in the direction of the line li-ll of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line l2-I2 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line "-13 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged side elevational view of another one of the devices shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 15 is an end elevational view of Fig. 14 looking in the direction of the line l5l 5 thereof.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken on the line l6-l6 of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a plan view of Fig. 14. Fig. 18 is an enlarged detailed view of another portion of Fig. l. 30 Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 18 but illustrating the parts in a different position.

Fig. 20 is a plan view of Fig. 18.

Fig. 21 is an elevational view looking in the direction of the line 2 l--2l of Fig. 18.

Fig. 22 is an elevational view looking'in the direction of the. line 22-42 of Fig. 18.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged view of Fig. 18 with further parts being broken away-to disclose interior parts.

Fig. 24 is an enlarged view of .Fig. 19 with further parts being broken away to discloseinterior parts.

Fig. 25 is a sectional view taken on the line 25-25 of Fig. 23.

Fig. 26 is .a sectional view taken on the line 26-26 of Fig. 23.

Fig. 27 is a sectional view taken on the line 2'|2'| of Fig. 23.

Fig. 28 is a sectional view taken on the line 22-28 of Fig. 24. i

Fig. 29 is an elevational view looking in the direction of the line 29-29 of Fig. 25. i

Fig. 30 is an enlarged detailed view of another portion of Fig. 1 illustrated with the front portion thereof broken away to illustrate interior parts.

Fig. 31 is a view similar to Fig. but illustrat ing the parts in a different position.

Fig. 32 is a sectional view taken on the line 32-32 of Fig. 30.

Fig. 33 is a sectional view taken on the line 33-33 of Fig. 30.

Fig. 34 is a sectional view taken on the line 34-34 of Fig. 30.

The multiple circuit breaking device for knitting machines, according to this invention, is intended to be used in conjunction with a knitting machine generally indicated on the drawings by reference numeral Hi. It is intended that this machine have a rotative spool carriage iii, a driving motor l0", and a clutch ||I for disconnecting the machine from the motor drive. More specifically, the motor Ni drives a main drive shaft ||l on which pulleys ID are provided. Each pulley I0 is connected by a belt ii to a rotatively supported pulley l2. A clutch jaw I3 is mounted upon a drive shaft H for the knitting machine and is cooperative with a complementary clutch jaw l5 associated with the pulley I2. The clutch jaw I3 is movable and controlled by a leverage system which includes the lever I5 connected by various links to the handle of the clutch "1. The arrangement is such that when the handle of the clutch |0 is moved upwards the clutch is open..

A plurality of spools of yarn |5 are mounted on the spool carriage Il The yarn from each spool is passed through certain devices before it is fed to the knitting machine, and it is these devices which detect the various deficiencies in the yarn. Several of these devices are shown in Fig. 1. There are devices indicated by the letters A which comprise a means on the spool carriage for detecting whether the yarn drawn from the spool on said carriage is either knotted,

bunched, or. has a rough surface. These means include switches and a means for closing the switches upon detection of said deficiencies in the yarn, as hereinafter more fully described. At other locations on the spool carriage i5 there are devices B for detecting breaks in the yarn and these devices include switches and means for closing the switches upon detection of a break.

At other locations on the spool carriage; Il' there are devices C which assist in tensioning the yarn from the spools and detecting breaks.

These devices will be explained in greater detail undeicertain circumstances as hereinafter more fully described.

To better understand the invention, it is advisable at this point to consider the details of construction of the various devices mentioned. When this is fully understood the association of the devices with each other and with suitable circuits will be described.

With specific reference to the devices A, each device A (see Figs. 2-8 inclusive and particularly note "A" in Fig. 2), comprises a hollow body 20 which has a lug portion 2| by which it may be attached on the carriage II. The hollow body 23 is provided with a removable cover 22 held in position by several screws 23. A shaft 24 is 1'0- 33 extending to the exterior.

tatively supported through the cover 22. A cam 25 is mounted on the inner end of the shaft 24. A radial arm 26 is secured on the outer end of the shaft. This radial arm 25 is provided with a curved head piece 21 over which the yarn is adapted to pass. A spring 28 is connected with the radial arm 26 and with a screw 29 adjustable on 8. lug 30 projecting from the cover 22. The spring 28 may be properly tensioned to require a certain predetermined stress to be applied to the head piece 21 before the radial arm 25 moves downwards. A pin 3| projects from the cover 22 and acts against a portion of the cam 25 to limit the upward positidn of the radial arm 26.

A binding post 33 for an electric lead is mounted through the cover 22 and is insulated therefrom and supports a contact finger 34 engageable against a portion of the cam 25 to close a circuit to the ground of the device. The contactfinger 34 is provided with an insulation piece 35 which is connected with a spring 35, the other end of which is connected with an insulation piece 31 on a lever 38. This lever 33 is pivotally mounted by a pintle 33 on the body 23 and has one end The inner end of the lever 35 is cooperative with the cam 25 to lock the cam as shown in Fig.7. In Fig. 6 the contact finger 34 is shown disconnected from the cam 25. It should be noted that when the radial arm 25 is turned anti-clockwise, a portion 25' of the cam 25 will contact with the contact finger 34 to close the circuit. Another portion of the cam will ride beneath the inner end of the lever 38 so that the cam is locked in its new position in which the circuit is closed.

Each device "3", referred to relative to Fig. 1, is shown in detail in Figs. 9-13 inclusive. In Fig. 9, the device is generally indicated by the letter "B". Thedevice comprises a frame 43 adapted to be secured by a screw 4| upon the spool carriage l5. This frame is provided with a horizontally positioned shaft 42 upon which there is a disc 43 fixedly mounted by a set screw 44. Adjacent the disc 43 there is a rotative disc 45, and adjacent this rotative disc there is a stationary cap 45. The stationary cap 45 is held on the shaft 42 by a nut 41 which presses a portion of the cap against a shoulder formed on the shaft 42. A spring 43 is-wound about a portion of the circumferences of the discs 43 and 45 and has one end secured to the screw 44 and the other 'end secured to a screw 43 mounted upon the disc 45. The arrangement is such that the spring 43 tends to maintain the disc 45 in pro-determined position. The disc 45 is formed with an arcuate recess 53 into which a contact 5| projects. This contact 5| is supported upon the cap 45 and its outer end is provided with binding post 52 so that a wire may be connected with it, as fullyv described hereafter.

The contact 5| is insulated from the cap 45 and makes contact with the disc 45 only when the spring 43 is permitted town. the disc 45 into one position. A band 53 is connected with the disc 45 and terminates in an end portion provided with an eyelet 54. The band 53 extends through an opening 55 in the frame 45. The

is now free. Thus the disc 45 is turned to a position in which one end of the groove 58 makes contact with the contact 5|.

In Figs. 14-17 inclusive one of the devices has been disclosed. This device is generally indicated in Fig. 14 by the letter "C". It comprises a frame 68 having an extending arm 6| and adapted to be secured upon the spool carriage I8. A shaft 42 is supported on the frame 68 and supports the discs 43 and 45, and the cap 46 as previously explained. A spring 48 is connected between the screw 44 and the screw 49. The contact I is mounted on the cap 46 and is provided with binding post nuts 52. The nut 41 serves to hold the cap 46 in position. It is believed from this cursory description that the parts which correspond with the same parts described in device B will be readily identified. The device C distinguishes in the fact that there is a stiff wire 62 which is attached at one end to the periphery of the disc 45, and at the other end is provided with an eyelet 63. The arm 6I has an opening 64. The yarn I6 (see Fig. 14) is adapted to pass through the opening 64 and the eyelet 63 to normally hold the arm 62 in a slightly lowered position due to the tension of the yarn. When the yarn is broken the arm 62 is freed and may move upwards to the dot and dash line position 62'. When the arm so moves the circuit is closed between the contact 5| and the disc 45 similar to that previously described.

The device D previously referred to is shown in detail in Figs. 18-29 inclusive, and indicated generally by letter D in Fig. 18. This device comprises a hollow body 65 which is attached to a portion of the knitting machine. A vertical bar 66 slidably extends through the body and is limited to slide by reason of having several slots 61 which are engaged by headed holding elements 68. The upper end of the bar 66 engages against the handle of the clutch IO and is adapted to lift this lever to throw open the clutch, as hereinafter more fully described.

The lower end of the bar 66 extends from the body 65 and is formed with a horizontal slot 69. A roller 18 is slidable in this horizontal slot. This roller 18 is mounted upon one end of a bell crank 1| which is pivotally supported by a screw 12 on an extension portion 65 of the body 65. The other end of the bell crank-1| is adapted to swing from the position shown in Fig. 23 to the position shown in Fig. 24. In the latter position it engages against a shoulder 13 of a catch 13. This catch 13 is pivotally supported by a pintle 14 and supports the armature of an electromagnet 16 stationarily mounted within the body 65. The catch 13 is urged into its lower operative position by a spring 11 coaxial on the screw 18 passing through a slot in the end of the catch 13 and mounted on the body 65. The arrangement is such that the electro-magnet 16 may open the catch 13.

A hand device is also provided to open the catch so that the clutch of the knitting machine may be thrown open by actuating the hand device. This hand device comprises a plunger 19 which is slidable through the casing 65 and which' is provided with a coaxial spring 88 tending to normally urge the plunger inwards. The inner end of the plunger is provided with a screw 8i which has its head 8| passing through a slot 82 formed in one of the side walls of the body 65. The other end of the screw 8| engages beneath a portion of the catch 13 so as to be capable of lifting the catch when the plunger 19 is thrown. A cord or cable 89 is connected with the plunger 19 by which it may be conveniently drawn.

The bar 66 is urged into a raised position by a tension spring 84 which isconnected at one end with a pintle 85. The roller 18 is turnably mounted on a portion of this pintle 85, the pintle 85 extending through the arm of the bell crank H. The upper end of the spring 84 connects with a fastening element 86 secured on the body 65. When the bar 66 is in its raised position the bell crank H is in the position shown in Fig. 23. Then the handle of the clutch I8' is raised. In the lowered position of the bar 66, the handle of the clutch I8 is in its lowered position, and the clutch jaws I3 and I5 are engaged. The bar 66 is held in the lowered position by reason of the bell crank 1| beingcaught and held by the catch 13.

A switch is associated with the device D and is adapted to be opened when the bar 66 is in its raised position. This switch comprises a contact arm 81 which is pivotally mounted by a pintle 88 upon an insulation block 89. A spring 98 acts between the contact arm 81 anda projecion from the block 89 to normally urge the contact arm 81 downwards. A pin 9| is mounted on the bar 66 and is adapted to strike and pivot the contact arm 81 when the bar 66 is raised. A stationary contact 92 is mounted on the block 89 and in the lowered position of the contact arm 81 is adapted to connect therewith, as shown in Fig. 24, and so the switch is closed.

The circuit of the device may be traced from a binding post 93 which is mounted on the body 65 to the electro-magnet 16 and then to the switch arm 81 and the stationary contact 92. The switch arm 81 is grounded at the point 94. Thus the. circuit connects the switch and the electro-magnet in series.

The device F" is shown in detail in Figs. 30-34 inclusive and is generally indicated by the letter F in Fig. 30. This device comprises a casing 95 adapted to be stationarily mounted on a ground or other support. A bar 96 is slidably extended from the casing. This bar is slidably supported by reason of slots 91 formed therein and engaged by screws 98 supported on the casing 95.

Thus the bar 96 is limited to vertical sliding. A

spring 99 connects with a fork mounted on the bar 96 and with a fork mounted on the casing'95 and acts to normally urge the bar 96 into a retracted position. A bell crank I88 is pivotally mounted at its center by a pintle IN, and one end of this bell crank is provided with a roller I82 which engages in a horizontal slot I83 in a bracket I84 mounted on the bar 96. The other end of the bell crank I88 is adapted to be caught and held by a catch I85 (see Figs. 31 and 34). This catch I85 is pivotally supported by a pintle I86 and is connected with an armature 'I81 of an' electro-magnet I88. The electro-magnet is sta-. tionarily mounted within the casing 95. A spring I89 connects with the armature I81 and with a pin I I8 mounted on an insulation member I II secured within the casing 95. The spring I89 serves to urge the catch I85 into its closed position.

An electro-magnet 2 within the casing 95. adjacent the electro-magnet I88 and has an armature II3 which is pivotally mounted by a pintle H4. The armature II3 has one end v thereof provided with a bolt I I5 slidably disposed in slots II6 formed in a frame II1 arranged to support the electro-magnet. The belt. II5 also 3 arm II8 strikes the. armature I01 to move the catch to its open position so that the bell crank I00 is free.

A switch is'also arranged within the device controlled by the position of: the bar 35. This switch comprises a contact I20 pivotally supported by a pintle I2I on an insulation block I22. A spring I23 acts to normally urge the contact I20 upwards. In the forward position it engages a contact plate I24. The contact I20 has a binding post I25 to which a wire may be connected. This binding post end of the contact is in the path of motion of the bracket I04. The arrangement is such that when the bar 35 is in its lowered position, as shown in Fig. 30, the bracket I04 rests against an insulated portion of the contact I20 and holds the contact in a pivoted posi tion in which the circuit is open. But when the bar 35 is in its raised position, as shown in Fig. 31, the circuit is closed.

A thermostatic switch is also provided within the casing. This thermostatic switch comprises a thermostatic leaf I33 supported at one end on a bracket I3I which is mounted on'the insulation member fII. The free end of thethermostatic leaf normally engages a conductor bracket or contact I33 also mounted on the insulation member III. Opposed to the contact I33 there is a contact I34 also mounted on the insulation member III. Several binding posts I35, I33, I31, I33 and I33 are also mounted .on the insulation member III. The binding posts I35 and I33 are connected in a circuit which includes the electro-magnet H2. The binding post I31 is connected in a circuit which includes the contact I20 and the electro-magnet I33. The binding post I35 is connected directly with the thermostatic leaf spring I33. The binding post I35 is connected with the bracket I33. The bracket I34 is connected in the circuit within the binding post I31.' This description may best be under stood by examining Fig. 1 in which there is a schematic showing of the wiring arrangement.

Attention is now called to Fig. 1 so that the electric wiring of the device may be understood. A supply circuit I40 connects with the terminals I33 and I33 and joins up with the circuit to the electro-magnet II2. It should be noted that should the circuit I43 be interrupted for any reason whatsoever the electro-magnet II2 loses its magnetism and its core I I3 moves open so that the arm .3 strikes the armature I01 and opens the catch I05. This releases the bell crank I 33 and the spring 33 then pulls the bar 33 inwards. The bar 35 is connected with a cable I42 connected with a switch I43 in the circuit of the electric motor I3". that when the bar 35 moves inwards, the switch I43 is open and the motor will stop the rotation of the main drive shaft I0, thereby stopping all knitting machines and prevent them from causing any damage.

The circuit I40 also connectswith the primary transformer is in circuit with the binding posts The parts are arranged so.

I30 and I31. When the thermostatic leaf I30 is cool, it connects with the contact bracket I33 and the secondary circuit continues through the circuit I46. This circuit I45 supplies current to the main 'stop motion line circuit I41 to which any number of the multiple .circuit breaking devices of any number of knitting machines maybe connected. One side of the circuit I 41 is grounded at the point I43. The other side connects with a lead I43 to a brush device which includes a stationary casing I50 supported from the ceiling I5I of an establishment.

Within this stationary casing there is a brush I52 ground thereto so as to receive current. This brush I52 is in electric connection with a member I53 which is insulated from and supported upon thetop end of a center shaft I54 included in the spool carriage I0. The disc I53 frictionally engages the shaft I54 so as to turn with the spool carriage. The arrangement is such that the electric disc I53 receives current from the lead I43. The disc I53 is connected by lines I55 to the various devices A, B and C. The line I55 operates to close the circuit, current will flow to the terminal 33 through the magnet 15 which will then function to move the armature 15 and release the bell crank H. The spring 34 then moves the bar 53 upwards to open the clutch I0 of the knitting machine. When the bar 55 moves upwards the electric circuit which actuated the device D will be broken by the switch 31, 32, thus preventing any further current to pass through magnet 15 of device D.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modifications coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:-

1. In combination with a knitting machine having a rotative spool carriage, a motor driving a main drive shaft, and a clutch for disconnecting the machine from the motor drive, means on said spool carriage for detecting whether the yarn drawn from spools'on said carriage is either knotted, bunched, or has a rough rt'rr'iace, and including switches, and means for closing and keeping closed said switches upon detection of said deficiencies in said yarn, means on said spool carriage for detecting breaks in said yarn and including switches, and means for closing and keeping closed said switch upon detection of a break, means for opening said clutch controlled with an electro-magnet, and a circuit including said electro-magnet and switches for energizing said magnet when one of said switches is closed.

2. In combination with a knitting machine having a rotative spool carriage, a motor driving a main drive shaft, and a clutch for disconnecting the machine from the motor drive. means on The device D is also connected and including switches, and means for closing and keeping closed said switchupon' detection of a break, means for opening saidclutch' co trolled with an electro-magnet, and a; llcllit jnr eluding said electro-magnetand switches for en ergizing said magnet when one ofsaid switches means for opening :said latter switch including an electro-magnet when no current flows throughyarn drawn from spools on said carriage is either knotted, bunched, or has a rough surface, and including switches, and means for closing and keeping closed said switches upon detection of said deficiencies in said yarn, means on said spool carriage for detecting breaks in said yarn and including switches, and means for closing and keeping closed said switch upon detection of a break, means for opening. said clutch controlled with an electro-magnet, and a circuit including said electro-magnet and switches for energizing said magnet when one of said switches is closed, said circuit including a thermostatic switch, a switch for controlling said motor drive, means for opening said latter switch including an electro-magnet, and a circuit including said thermostatic switch and said electro-magnet for opening the motor switch when the thermostatic switch operates.

4. In a device of the class described, a means for the spool carriage of a knitting machine for detecting whether the yarn drawn from the spool on said carriage is either knotted, bunched, or has a rough surface, comprising a casing, a shaft turnably mounted through said casing, a radial arm on the outer end of the shaft, a cam upon the inner end of the shaft, a contact arm engageable with the cam in a turned position of the shaft, and a catch for holding said shaft in turned position.

5. In a device of the class described, a means forthe spool carriage of a knitting machine for detecting whether the yarn drawn from the spool on said carriage is either knotted, bunched, or

has a rough surface, comprising a. casing, a

shaft turnably mounted through said casing, a radial arm on the outer end of the shaft, a cam upon the inner end of the shaft, a contact arm engageable with the cam in a turned position of the shaft, and a catch for holding said shaft in turned position, said catch being provided with a projecting portion by which it is manually releasable.

6. In a device of the class described, a means for the spool carriage of a knitting machine for detecting whether the yarn drawn from the spool on said carriage is either knotted, bunched, or has a rough surface, comprising a casing, a shaft turnably mounted through said casing, a radial turned position, and a spring connected between 1 said catch and-radial said-cam. '7. In a device armforurgingsameagainst of-the class described, a means for the spool carriage of a knitting machine for detecting whether the yarn drawn from the spool ,s'fldgcarriage is either knotted, punched, or has a rough surface, comprising a casing, ashaft turnably mounted through said casing, a radial is closed, a switch for controlling said motor drive,

p the inner end of the shaft, a contact arm enarm' on the outer end of, theshaft, {ream upon gageable with the camin a turned position of the shaft, and a catch for holding said shaft'in turned position, and a spring connected between said catch and radial arm for urging same against said cam, and another spring indirectly connected with said shaft for holding the shaft in a controlled position, said latter spring being associated with an adjustment means for controlling its tension.

' 8. In a device of the class described, a means for the spool carriage of a knitting machine for detecting breaks in the yarn thereof comprising a frame, a shaft supported on the frame,-a disc fixed on the shaft, a, turnable disc on the shaft.

adjacent said fixed disc, 'a'clip fixed on the shaft adjacent said turnable disc, resilient means act- .ing between the shaft andturnable discs for urging the turnable disc into one direction,-an element connected with the turnable disc, acontact mounted on the stationary cap and extending into a groove or recess in the-turnable disc, and eyelets on said element and frame through'which the yarn may pass to provide tension to hold-thement connected'with the turnable disc, a con-' tact mounted on the stationary cap andextending into a groove or recess-in the turnable disc, and eyelets on said element and frame through which the yarn may pass to provide tension .to hold the turnable disc in a position in which the contact does not engage the wall of the groove, said frame having an opening through which said element extends.

10. In a device of the class-described, a means for the spool carriage of a knitting machine for detecting breaks in the yarn thereof comprising a frame, a shaft supported on the frame, a disc fixed on the shaft, a turnable disc on the shaft adjacent said fixed disc, 2. clip fixed on the shaft adjacent said turnable disc, resilient means acting between the shaft and turnable discs for urging the turnable disc into one direction, an element connected with the turnable disc, a concontact does not engage the wall of the groove,

said frame having an opening through which said with an eyelet, said frame having an eyelet in line with said eyelet.

11. In a device of the class described, a means Inxed on the shaft, a turnable disc on the shaft adjacent said fixed disc. a clip fixed on the shaft adjacent said turnable disc, resilient means acting between the shaft and turnable discs for urging the turnable disc into one direction, an element connected with the turnable disc, a contact mounted on the stationary cap and extending into a groove or recess in the turnable disc, and eyelets on said element and frame through which the yarn may pass to provide tension to hold the turnable disc in a position in which the contact does not engage the wall of the groove, said element being in the form of an extending wire, and said frame having a projecting arm with an aperture, said arm and wire being provided with eyelets for the passage the yarn.

12. In a device of the class described, a means for opening the clutch connecting a drive with a knitting machine, comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted through said casing, resilient means urging said bar into a raised position, a bell crank pivotally mounted and provided with a roller on one of its arms engaging a slot in the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank with the bar in a lowered position, and an electromagnet for opening the said catch.

13. In a device of the class described, a means for opening the clutch connecting a drive with a knitting machine, comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted through said .casing, resilient ,means urging said bar into a raised position, a

. device for opening the catch. 1

14. In a device of the class described, a means for opening the clutch connecting a drive with a knitting machine, comprising a casing, abar slidably mounted through said casing, resilient means urging said bar into a raised position, a bell crank pivotally mounted and provided with a roller on one 01' its arms engaging a slot in the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank with the bar in a lowered position, an electromagnet for opening the said catch, and an auxiliary hand device for opening the catch, comprising a plunger, resilient means holding the plunger in a lowered position, an element on the plunger engaging the catch, and a rod connected with said plunger.

15. In a device of the class described, a means for opening the clutch connecting a drive with a knitting machine, comprising a casing. a bar slidably mounted through said casing, resilient means urging said bar into a raised position, a bell crank pivotally mounted and provided with a roller on one 01 its arms engaging a slot in the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank with'the bar in a lowered position, an electromagnet for opening the said catch, a switch within said casing, an element on said arm engageable with a portion of said switch to open the switch after the arm is moved to its raised position.

16. In a .device of the class described, means for opening a switch controlling the operation a,1s1,eoo element extends, said element being provided of the knitting machine comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted in the casing, a resilient means urging said her inwards, a bell crank pivotally mounted and having one arm provided with a roller enga i a slot in a bracket mounted on the bar, a catch for holding said bell crankso that the bar is in an extended position, an electromagnet ior operating said catch'to open same.

1'1. In a device oi the class described, means for opening a switch controlling the operation of the knittingmachine comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted in the casing, a resilient means urging said bar inwards, a bell crank pivotally mounted and having one arm provided with a roller engaging a slot in a bracket mounted on the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank so that the bar is in an extended position, an electro-magnet for operating said catch to open same, an electro-magnet and a pivoted armature therefor, and an arm von said armature oi the electro-magnet ior opening said catch, said latter electro-magnet being adapted to be connected in a main current supply circuit.

18. In a device of the class described, means for opening a switch controlling the operation of the knitting machine comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted in the casing, a resilient means urging said bar inwards, a bell crank pivotally mounted and having one arm provided with a roller engaging a slot in a bracket mounted on the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank sothat the bar is in an extended position, an electro-magnet for operating said .catch to open same, an insulation member within said casing, a thermostatic switch mounted on said insulation member, and a circuit for operating the thermostatic switch to operate the electro-magnet which operates the catch.

19. Ina device of the class described, means for opening a switch controlling the operation oi the knitting machine comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted in the casing, a resilient means urging said bar inwards, a bell crank piv-- otaliy mounted and having one arm provided with a'roller engaging a slot in a bracket mounted on the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank so that the bar is in an extended position, an electro-magnet for operating said catch to open same, an insulation member within said casing, a thermostatic switch mounted on said insulation member, and a circuit for operating the thermostatic switch to operate the electro-magnet which operatu the catch, and a switch within said casing, and means for opening said switch in the retracted position of said bar.

20. In a device of the class described, means for opening a switch controlling the operation of the knitting machine comprising a casing, a bar slidably mounted in the casing, a resilient means urging said bar inwards, a bell crank pivotally mounted and having one arm provided with a roller engaging a slot in a bracket mounted on the bar, a catch for holding said bell crank so that thebar is in'an extended position, an elec- 

